HHW

Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of household hazardous waste you generate and on the proper use, storage, and disposal of products.

First, Be a Good Consumer

Before you buy...

• Think about the job at hand.
• Read product labels carefully.
• Choose the product that is best for the job.
• Check into less toxic alternatives. (See Less Toxic Alternatives to HHW to download recipes and alternatives to common hazardous household products.)
• Buy only what you can use.

Before you use...

• Read the label and follow the directions for proper use.
• Follow all safety precautions.
• Use the recommended amount - more is not always better!

After you use...

• Read the label and follow directions for proper storage.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep product in original container with readable labels.
• Share any product you can't use with a friend or neighbor.

If you must dispose of a product...

• Follow the label directions if provided.
• Contact the manufacturer if no directions are provided.
• Take your HHW to a County HHW collection event (see Harris County HHW program) or City HHW collection site (See City of Houston HHW program).

Practice Safe Disposal

If you have unwanted hazardous products that you are not able to give away, dispose of them responsibly.

• Dried paint containers may be disposed of in your trash!
• Latex, or water-based paint, is non-hazardous and may be disposed of in your trash if it is dried or solidified. Download the Use & Disposal of Paint Guide to learn how.
• Used oil and oil filters can often be recycled at local auto parts stores. Log on to Earth 911, http://www.earth911.org/ or call 1-800-CLEAN UP to find a used oil collection center near you.
• Alkaline batteries (in pagers, toys, flashlights, etc.) are not considered hazardous and can be disposed of in your trash!
• Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries are accepted at local electronics stores (Best Buy, Radio Shack, Circuit City). Log on to http://www.rbrc.org/index.html to find a rechargeable battery collection center near you.
• Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries are accepted at many metal scrapyards. These scrapyards may even pay you a nominal amount for these batteries!
• Water-soluble household cleaning products (cleaners that mix with water) are usually not considered HHW because they go safely down the drain with lots of running water. If you are not sure, look for disposal instructions on the product label, call the manufacturer's toll-free number, or log on to the Soap & Detergent Association, http://www.sdahq.org/.

HHW disposal poses a special problem for residents. Area landfills cannot accept these wastes so disposal options are limited. To handle these wastes, the City of Houston and Harris County have developed programs to accept HHW from residents.

Please call (713) 290-3000 for more information on the Harris County HHW program or (713) 551-7355 for more information on the City of Houston HHW program.